An American Reunion (2003)

What a beautiful movie!

Pretty Good

Expected more

The film creates a perfect balance between action and depth of basic needs, in the midst of an infertile atmosphere.

My fiance' Jonah and I used to live below the Jodi & Jim Fitzpatrick in Los Angeles back in the early 90's. They were very talented actors, but also lived their lives as common folks. No egos, no attitudes, just fun loving naturally kind hearted people. They enjoyed the holidays, especially Christmas and I remember them showing all of the Christmas cartoons "Frosty," "Charlie Brown," "Rudolph," and I remember thinking how sweet that was for all of us to watch. It brought back memories. Then one day, I remember Jimmy getting a call from his mother that his High School girlfriend shot & killed herself...shocking. But, instead of Jimmy becoming depressed, he wrote a play about their relationship and a ten year reunion called "Ten Year." I know this because my fiance' (then husband) Jonah played a role in the play. Finally when we saw the movie we were so touched and happy for them, because the movie ended-up being an homage to past loves lost and friendships taken for granted. So, Jodi & Jimmy, congratulations on making such a deeply touching film. We love you both and we miss you.

For those of you who are fans of romance, this story will be every bit as predictable and even more enjoyable than those written in books. The story line is a bit contrived, but I couldn't help falling in love with the characters. Jodi Knotts is great as the yearning ex-girlfriend, now yearning wife, of Jim's character's best friend in the middle of a life that's missed the love of a lifetime. And Jim Fitzpatrick has NEVER looked better than while he is wondering and pondering reclaiming his highschool love that never faded from his memory. A definite chick flick! Great payoff at the end... Ladies, tell me how great Jimmy Fitzpatrick has aged... Dear Lord! ABC was crazy to let this one get away! Fitzpatrick's also quite a writer.

I found this particular piece to be so tough to swallow, that the reality was unbearable. As a society, we either choose to learn and grow from each obstacle we encounter, or we choose to wallow in it. Although I have experienced both sides of the pain, this film brought back so many harsh memories. And while the film is a true story, maybe it should have been released as a docudrama. Hard to watch, but good. As far as the technical aspect of the piece, I found it executed with a sense of simplicity that reminded me of films from the mid to late 60's and 70's. I have never liked films that jump around from angle to angle, unless the frenetic style was important.

This story forces you to reflect and remember the friendships, that we've all had in our lives, that ultimately effected us forever. Those relationships that shaped our humanity and compassion. Those people, whose names and faces are etched in our hearts, 'til the day we die. And it seems as though, that reuniting with people that cared about us for who we were, and not what we had, can be the our truest barometer for life. It's all about the lessons we learned together, and the experiences we shared. The passions we developed, and the hopes we deployed. This story taps into the psyche, and forces you to examine the choices we've all made in our lives. No matter what the outcome. But, to know however, that if we should fail with our choices, that we would still be loved and held dear by those who truly are friends for life. American Friends & Lovers, is a refreshing point of view regarding friendship... humorously and painfully depicted in this piece.